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Security certificates are used for a range of purposes. Among these include identity verification, file encryption, Web authentication, email security and software signature checking. Every certificate on your business computer is stored in a centralized location called the Certificate Manager. Inside the Certificate Manager, you are able to view information about each certificate, including what its purpose is, and are even able to delete certificates.

1. Open the Start menu and click inside the “Search Programs and Files” box. Type “certmgr.msc” (without quotes) in the box and press “Enter” to open the Certificate Manager. In the left pane, click “Certificates - Current User.”

2. Double-click on the desired category in the left pane, such as “Personal,” “Trusted Publishers” or “Trusted People,” and then click on the “Certificates” folder. Its contents will be shown in the right pane.

3. Double-click on a certificate in the right pane to open a dialog box with all its details, including its purpose. Click “OK” to close the dialog box when done. To delete a certificate, right-click on it and select “Delete.”

About the Author

Daniel Hatter began writing professionally in 2008. His writing focuses on topics in computers, Web design, software development and technology. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in media and game development and information technology at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.